Aligning Your Values Through Ikigai: A purpose driven lens on work and life

In a world full of distractions and detours, how do we find clarity on the work that truly fulfills us? How do we know we're not just "going through the motions" but living and leading with intention?

Enter: Ikigai.

Ikigai (生きがい) is a beautiful Japanese concept that means "a reason for being." At its core, it reflects the sweet spot where passion, vocation, profession, and mission converge. When these four elements align, we find work that not only fills our cup but spills over in impact, joy, and meaning.

Everyone has a gift—something they do uniquely well. Find it. Refine it. And offer it generously.

The framework is elegantly simple: four overlapping circles representing:

1. What You Love

2. What You're Good At

3. What the World Needs

4. What You Can Be Paid For

Where all four meet? That’s your ikigai.

But this isn’t a once-and-done realization. It’s an ongoing conversation with yourself—a compass that gently recalibrates as you grow.

As a coach, I often work with clients who are at a crossroads: craving more purpose, questioning their current path, or searching for the next chapter. A powerful exercise is reflecting on these four dimensions of ikigai in light of core values.

REFLECT

1. What You Love

• Am I emotionally invested in the results of my work?

• Do I find myself getting completely absorbed in the tasks I enjoy?

• If money weren’t an issue, would I still be doing this?

These aren’t just idealistic questions. They are clues to your internal alignment. When you love something, your energy expands, your creativity flourishes, and work becomes more than a transaction—it becomes a calling.

2. What You Are Good At

• Do parts of my job come naturally to me?

• Do others regularly seek my advice or input in this area?

• Am I on a path toward mastery?

We all have unique talents and strengths. When we operate from a place of competency, confidence follows. This is where your core values like excellence, growth, or contribution often show up.

3. What the World Needs

• Is this work solving a real problem?

• Does it serve others in a meaningful way?

• Will this work still matter in 10 years?

This is where meaning enters. We all want to feel that our efforts have purpose beyond ourselves. When your work aligns with something greater—a mission, a cause, a need—you tap into a deeper sense of fulfillment.

4. What You Can Be Paid For

• Is this work financially sustainable?

• Are others doing this and being compensated?

• Is there a market for these skills?

Money isn't the only metric of success, but financial viability matters. It's part of stewardship—of time, energy, and talent. When you're paid fairly for your gifts, it reinforces value and creates stability.

Now, Connect It Back to Core Values

Each of these circles is a reflection of your internal compass.

• What do I stand for?

• What kind of legacy do I want to leave?

• How does my current role reflect the values I say matter most?

If you're not quite in alignment yet, don't panic. Ikigai isn’t a destination—it’s a direction. Maybe you start by saying "yes" to more of what lights you up, or "no" to things that drain you. Maybe you advocate for a new role, a project that excites you, or explore a skill that’s been quietly calling.

Reflection Prompts:

• In your current role, which circle(s) do you feel strongest in? Which ones feel out of sync?

• What’s one small shift you can make this month to move closer to your ikigai?

• How are your values showing up in your daily work?

Your ikigai isn't out there waiting to be discovered like a buried treasure. It's built, moment by moment, through conscious alignment of your passions, strengths, contributions, and livelihood. When you connect your work with your values, you don’t just find purpose—you live it.

Here’s to claiming your path, and honoring what makes you come alive.

Looking for more support with discovering your purpose ... Let’s connect!